The Phantom of the Open (DVD) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Sony Pictures Classics
Release Date: August 30, 2022
Rating: R
Film:  4.5/5

Plot
This film tells the heartwarming true story of Maurice Flitcroft (Mark Rylance), a dreamer and unrelenting optimist. This humble crane operator from Barrow-in-Furness managed to gain entry to The British Open Golf Championship qualifying in 1976, despite never playing a round of golf before. He shot the worst round in Open history and drew the ire of the golfing elite, but became a folk hero in the process and, more importantly, showed his family the importance of pursuing your dreams.

My Thoughts
As a golfer, when I saw the trailer for this it was something that piqued my interest. First off, you don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy this film because while the story deals with the sport, it’s not really the meat of the production. It’s a study in human character that’s based on the amazing true story of Maurice Flitcroft. My wife and I sat down to watch it and ended up loving it from beginning to end. It’s a film that will make you laugh—a lot—and at times, will have you tearing up because of the human element in the story.

Sony only had DVD screeners for reviewers, so while the audio was passable, the video was painful to sit through. Thankfully the movie is outstanding, so I was able to overlook the fuzzy resolution, muted colors, and lack of depth. DVD wasn’t meant to be watched in a 110” scope screen, that’s for sure!

Video 2/5
Audio 3/5 (Dolby Digital 5.1)

Special Features:

• “Finding Flitcroft” featurette

Conclusion
If you’re interested in reading more about Flitcroft, you can read it here: https://www.bbc.com/sport/golf/62121946 Be aware, a lot of things discussed in this article are in the movie, so if you’re interested in watching it, I’d wait until after seeing the movie to read more about this remarkable true-life character. To say my wife and I enjoyed this would be an understatement. In fact, I plan on purchasing the film on Blu-ray and adding it to my collection—yes, it’s that good. Highly recommended.


Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS2000 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 88” 16x9 Fixed Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
JL Audio F110 (X2 co-located and bridged as one sub)
HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
M&K Sound X15+ Subwoofer
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[Paul Heroy]

David, I'm not a golfer but this looks like a charming movie regardless.

I did have to read the review at least 3 times to confirm 1) This wasn't a review from 1995; 2) The title is OPEN not OPERA.  (I was looking up where to stream it and had to keep correcting myself from searching on that "other" Phantom. Unfortunately it doesn't show up as being available to rent from any source right now, only purchase.)

[David Vaughn]

David, I'm not a golfer but this looks like a charming movie regardless.

I did have to read the review at least 3 times to confirm 1) This wasn't a review from 1995; 2) The title is OPEN not OPERA. (I was looking up where to stream it and had to keep correcting myself from searching on that "other" Phantom. Unfortunately it doesn't show up as being available to rent from any source right now, only purchase.)

Paul,

It's supposed to be available for "streaming," but that could mean digital purchase at this point. It may be able to be rented after the physical discs hit the street. It's worth paying for.